My identity...
My clothes...
My jokes...
My friends.... -or lack thereof . :)
Boruch Hashem.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The One Dollar Donation
About 20 years ago, he sent out invitations to his first fundraising breakfast. The very first reply envelope he got back had no return address and a crisp dollar bill in it.
He was very hurt and thought someone was trying to make fun of him. He was determined to find out who the sender was. He was obviously on the mailing list since he mailed the dollar in the reply envelope. Luckily he had a clue, the meter number, since it was metered postage, not a stamp. He called the post office but it was against their rules to say who the meter owner was. At this point he was absolutely driven, so he called the Post Office again and said he was in law enforcement and needed to know immediately. The guy believed him and told him who it was.
It was Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch...
The Rebbe? Perhaps. Hishtatfus.
He was very hurt and thought someone was trying to make fun of him. He was determined to find out who the sender was. He was obviously on the mailing list since he mailed the dollar in the reply envelope. Luckily he had a clue, the meter number, since it was metered postage, not a stamp. He called the post office but it was against their rules to say who the meter owner was. At this point he was absolutely driven, so he called the Post Office again and said he was in law enforcement and needed to know immediately. The guy believed him and told him who it was.
It was Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch...
The Rebbe? Perhaps. Hishtatfus.
During Sefira....
" Whatever music you are permitted to listen to a gantze yohr is allowed now too."
Tanya - today
The degree of fear he arouses will correspond exactly to the extent of his contemplation; the deeper the contemplation, the greater his fear.
It is too much to expect that all people constantly achieve a state of intellectual awareness - yet all people are obliged to stand in constant fear of heaven.
The Alter Rebbe elaborates on a frame of mind which can and must exist constantly - "acceptance of the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven."
This is not attained through contemplation. Rather it comes as a
result of faith alone - and this state can exist constantly in all
individuals.
It is too much to expect that all people constantly achieve a state of intellectual awareness - yet all people are obliged to stand in constant fear of heaven.
The Alter Rebbe elaborates on a frame of mind which can and must exist constantly - "acceptance of the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven."
This is not attained through contemplation. Rather it comes as a
result of faith alone - and this state can exist constantly in all
individuals.
Self-Mastery
Hear your Father, your King, saying to you:
Self-mastery elevates you and makes you more precious in My eyes.
True strength consist of self-mastery. You will always have impulses to which it is harmful to surrender. Some are harmful spiritually.
Every time you control an impulse and demonstrate self-mastery you are becoming a more powerful person.
I have created the yetzer hora, which is the source of negative impulses, for your ultimate benefit. Mastery over your yetzer hora elevates you. I have given you the ability to achieve this mastery.
Ask Me for help in conquering your yetzer hora and I will be there with you to help you. Even if you do not believe in your own ability to conquer your yetzer hora, believe in My ability to help you.
Experience joy every time you overcome temptation. The greater the temptation, the greater the ecstasy of overcoming it.
Awareness of My presence will make self-mastery easier for you. Awareness that you are My child and that I have given you the capacity to develop self-mastery will make the process of developing it easier. Awareness of the eternal rewards I will bestow upon you for your self-mastery will enable you to have great joy and pleasure with every act of self-mastery.
Thank you Zelik Pliskin
Self-mastery elevates you and makes you more precious in My eyes.
True strength consist of self-mastery. You will always have impulses to which it is harmful to surrender. Some are harmful spiritually.
Every time you control an impulse and demonstrate self-mastery you are becoming a more powerful person.
I have created the yetzer hora, which is the source of negative impulses, for your ultimate benefit. Mastery over your yetzer hora elevates you. I have given you the ability to achieve this mastery.
Ask Me for help in conquering your yetzer hora and I will be there with you to help you. Even if you do not believe in your own ability to conquer your yetzer hora, believe in My ability to help you.
Experience joy every time you overcome temptation. The greater the temptation, the greater the ecstasy of overcoming it.
Awareness of My presence will make self-mastery easier for you. Awareness that you are My child and that I have given you the capacity to develop self-mastery will make the process of developing it easier. Awareness of the eternal rewards I will bestow upon you for your self-mastery will enable you to have great joy and pleasure with every act of self-mastery.
Thank you Zelik Pliskin
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Chazal say that a person who holds his tongue when a fight is brewing is doing something remarkable.
How remarkable?
Did you ever notice that the earth is seemingly suspended in space without anything holding it up?
Chazal say it stays suspended like that in the merit of people who remain silent to avoid a confrontation.
How remarkable?
Did you ever notice that the earth is seemingly suspended in space without anything holding it up?
Chazal say it stays suspended like that in the merit of people who remain silent to avoid a confrontation.
Friday, April 25, 2008
OR.... Step by step...
To expand (maybe) at a future time.
Step by step
Bit by bit
Stone by stone
Brick by brick
Hour by hour
Day by day
Task by task
It will get done.
The house will be built.
Mission will be accomplished.
Nothing too daunting.
Step by step
Bit by bit
Stone by stone
Brick by brick
Hour by hour
Day by day
Task by task
It will get done.
The house will be built.
Mission will be accomplished.
Nothing too daunting.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Constructing - Joining Parts.
Piece by Piece.
Plank by Plank.
Pound! Pound!
Building, creating.
Raw wood.
Straw hat.
Two by Fours.
Four by Eights
Pound! Pound!
Plank by Plank.
Piece by Piece.
O what a task -
to build a home.
Yet never seen it done alone.
Pilgrims. Country. Spring. Palm trees.
Plank by Plank.
Pound! Pound!
Building, creating.
Raw wood.
Straw hat.
Two by Fours.
Four by Eights
Pound! Pound!
Plank by Plank.
Piece by Piece.
O what a task -
to build a home.
Yet never seen it done alone.
Pilgrims. Country. Spring. Palm trees.
Alike ?
Amazing? Or not really so amazing if you think where it's from.
It's the 'sameness' we're talking about.
Responsibility - scary.
Work - too lazy.
Friends - ach, who needs them?
Visitors - nah!
Fun - yea.
Crazy - okay, not so.
Free - yea f'sure.
Laugh - oh boy...un noch vi....
Serious - sometimes.
Happy - together.
Sad - together.
Thinking process - pretty much...threads and all.
Justice - we demand.
We are one and forever.
It's the 'sameness' we're talking about.
Responsibility - scary.
Work - too lazy.
Friends - ach, who needs them?
Visitors - nah!
Fun - yea.
Crazy - okay, not so.
Free - yea f'sure.
Laugh - oh boy...un noch vi....
Serious - sometimes.
Happy - together.
Sad - together.
Thinking process - pretty much...threads and all.
Justice - we demand.
We are one and forever.
The Rebbe's Father's Birthday
Can you imagine?
Being the Father of the Rebbe.
Wow.
Wow.
How special Reb Levi Yitzchak was;
To produce such a phenomenon.
To be the creator, well a partner in the creation, of a giant.
How extraordinary is that feeling?
To contribute to this wonder - the Rebbe.
Happy Birthday Reb Levi Yitzchok Shneerson!
And thank you.
It's the Rebbe's bris too also.
Being the Father of the Rebbe.
Wow.
Wow.
How special Reb Levi Yitzchak was;
To produce such a phenomenon.
To be the creator, well a partner in the creation, of a giant.
How extraordinary is that feeling?
To contribute to this wonder - the Rebbe.
Happy Birthday Reb Levi Yitzchok Shneerson!
And thank you.
It's the Rebbe's bris too also.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Those shirts....
Well don't you think it may cause anti-semitism?
By whom??!!
By anti-semites.
And now we're friends.
By whom??!!
By anti-semites.
And now we're friends.
How I yearn to be a Mentch.....
Once the Rebbe Rashab told the Frierdiker Rebbe: "Yosef Yitzchok, [during the seder,] in particular when the doors are opened, we must think about being a mentsch , and Hashem will help. Don't ask for material things, ask for spiritual things."
(From the haggadah, Shfoych Chamoscho)
(From the haggadah, Shfoych Chamoscho)
ALL paths leading.....
Interestingly enough to one thing. One special thing. I am not making it up, it just so happens to be. Whatever you say it leads to one thing. But not to worry, one is not being pushed down that path, yet. For now we wait and see. Perhaps when that path will be lead by a very woah leader then down that path you will march.... b'sha-a tova.
Today's Tanya
In each hour there is a different flow from the higher worlds to animate those who dwell here below.
Each hour, then, the creative life-force of the previous hour returns to its source, together with all the Torah and good deeds of those who dwell here below.
So it may be a good idea to learn something and/or do a good deed every hour.
Each hour, then, the creative life-force of the previous hour returns to its source, together with all the Torah and good deeds of those who dwell here below.
So it may be a good idea to learn something and/or do a good deed every hour.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Why....
... does the mind wander?
... does it go to unproductive territory?
... is it so hard to guide it back?
... do we daydream?
For what? For why?
... does it go to unproductive territory?
... is it so hard to guide it back?
... do we daydream?
For what? For why?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
We are the "Army of Hashem"
Soldiers are servants who serve with great toil and labor
AND WITH self sacrifice.
As opposed to servants who don't.
AND WITH self sacrifice.
As opposed to servants who don't.
And now into the lion's den I must to go....
Or back to 12th grade.
Or into the Pesach Kitchen to begin....
Or into the Pesach Kitchen to begin....
Was wondering....
Is this how it is with us?
We complain life is hard, no parnosso, the cow ain't givin' enough milk, we are sick etc...
The Aibershter says,
"You want out of golus?
I love you SO much, here is the solution, the end to your troubles -
Do my mitzvahs! Connect to me!"
And we continue with our song, we are tired, we are sick ....
The Aibershter says,
"Idiot! Listen to me, open your eyes! Give more Tzedoko! Learn more Torah!"
And we just don't get it. We still continue with our kvetching and then we beg to be left alone. We don't want to bother to truly truly understand what the Aibershter wants from us...
The Aibershter says,
"Mayn keend, Listen to me, I love you. I want to be close to you and when you will meditate and understand what I am asking of you, you will be so happy and relieved. But until then just 'do it' for you need to trust me that it will make your life easier."
And we stuff our ears up and close our eyes and say,
"What? What? what can you possibly say to make us feel better?"
And life goes on.
We krechtzing, yet saying it's okay. Pretending golus is fine.
And the Aibershter waiting for us to see the light.
Is this how it goes?
I wonder.
We complain life is hard, no parnosso, the cow ain't givin' enough milk, we are sick etc...
The Aibershter says,
"You want out of golus?
I love you SO much, here is the solution, the end to your troubles -
Do my mitzvahs! Connect to me!"
And we continue with our song, we are tired, we are sick ....
The Aibershter says,
"Idiot! Listen to me, open your eyes! Give more Tzedoko! Learn more Torah!"
And we just don't get it. We still continue with our kvetching and then we beg to be left alone. We don't want to bother to truly truly understand what the Aibershter wants from us...
The Aibershter says,
"Mayn keend, Listen to me, I love you. I want to be close to you and when you will meditate and understand what I am asking of you, you will be so happy and relieved. But until then just 'do it' for you need to trust me that it will make your life easier."
And we stuff our ears up and close our eyes and say,
"What? What? what can you possibly say to make us feel better?"
And life goes on.
We krechtzing, yet saying it's okay. Pretending golus is fine.
And the Aibershter waiting for us to see the light.
Is this how it goes?
I wonder.
Today is the Rebbe's Birthday.
On his birthday, one should spend time in seclusion. He should recall his
experiences and think deeply into them. He should then repent and correct
those (of his past deeds) that need correction and repentance.
A present for the Rebbe.
He gets Nachas from good hachlotos for the coming year.
And as Yossi says, don't worry about wrapping paper and stick-on bows.
experiences and think deeply into them. He should then repent and correct
those (of his past deeds) that need correction and repentance.
A present for the Rebbe.
He gets Nachas from good hachlotos for the coming year.
And as Yossi says, don't worry about wrapping paper and stick-on bows.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
stam azoi
Love like you've never been hurt.Dance like you do when nobody's watching.
And Live like there is Heaven on Earth.
Monday, April 14, 2008
HELP!!!!
I could go on the roof and yell, RAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
But I am afraid of heights.
So I could stand on my bed and YELLLLL so loudly.
But my throat hurts me.
Hoyso li dimosi lechem....
But I am afraid of heights.
So I could stand on my bed and YELLLLL so loudly.
But my throat hurts me.
Hoyso li dimosi lechem....
Sunday, April 13, 2008
This I like...
And when two souls who are destined to be together find each other, their streams of light flow together, and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being.
Each comes with a light. Now let's see if their united light shines bright.
Each comes with a light. Now let's see if their united light shines bright.
You see, so that's what happens....
Suddenly you can't drink from the cup because they licked it and now it got "germs".
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sad sad email from H....
(Yes, I have written permission.)
I dont want MRI's.. I dont want surgery.. yes i'm a big baby.. i'm sick and tired of laying alone in pain in hospitals!!!
If..... well screw them and let em cry at my funeral.
Why should I fight ? for what ? for ME ? no.. ME wants to be left alone.. for THEM? they are content to abandon me in ICU's alone.
... he writes me...... it could paralize me c'v and i'll be stuck in some home crying for my parents blah blah blah..
Yea well ive been stuck in hospitals crying for my parents....
I dont want MRI's.. I dont want surgery.. yes i'm a big baby.. i'm sick and tired of laying alone in pain in hospitals!!!
If..... well screw them and let em cry at my funeral.
Why should I fight ? for what ? for ME ? no.. ME wants to be left alone.. for THEM? they are content to abandon me in ICU's alone.
... he writes me...... it could paralize me c'v and i'll be stuck in some home crying for my parents blah blah blah..
Yea well ive been stuck in hospitals crying for my parents....
It ain't all what you see....
You see glory.
You see fame.
You see prestige.
You see grandeur.
You see brilliance.
A Celebrity.
It ain't all what you see....
You don't see the pain.
You don't see the tear.
You don't see the dishonor.
You don't see the shame.
It ain't all what you see...
You see fame.
You see prestige.
You see grandeur.
You see brilliance.
A Celebrity.
It ain't all what you see....
You don't see the pain.
You don't see the tear.
You don't see the dishonor.
You don't see the shame.
It ain't all what you see...
Hayom Yom....
.... every individual is given the power and ability to illuminate his environment - the place in which he finds himself - with the light of Torah and Avoda.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The common question these days.
The regular common questions bug me.
Rami : So, Gevert, you ready for Pesach?
G'veret: No, why should I be ready today when Pesach is next week?
The Steinbergs who were listening in, and I think are ready, must have been a bit taken aback.
Feigie : So, how is it going with Pesach?
Me: I have another week....
Feigie: Right, right we are all gonna get there the same time.
Fruma: Nu, vu halstu mit dem Pesach, noch vi-fil darfstu hoben?
Me: Noch a voch. Punkt a voch darf ich hoben.
Fruma: Ye ye du bist gerecht. Noch a voch.
WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?????
Why in my right mind should I be ready for Pesach a week early?????
Okay, okay, I know, big-shot that I am... with a complete Pesach Kitchen...
Rami : So, Gevert, you ready for Pesach?
G'veret: No, why should I be ready today when Pesach is next week?
The Steinbergs who were listening in, and I think are ready, must have been a bit taken aback.
Feigie : So, how is it going with Pesach?
Me: I have another week....
Feigie: Right, right we are all gonna get there the same time.
Fruma: Nu, vu halstu mit dem Pesach, noch vi-fil darfstu hoben?
Me: Noch a voch. Punkt a voch darf ich hoben.
Fruma: Ye ye du bist gerecht. Noch a voch.
WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?????
Why in my right mind should I be ready for Pesach a week early?????
Okay, okay, I know, big-shot that I am... with a complete Pesach Kitchen...
On Friendship/relationships
"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship."
Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
- Helen Keller
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
Uh oh, does that mean I'm in trouble?
Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
- Helen Keller
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
Uh oh, does that mean I'm in trouble?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Okay, Mordche' you get your honorable mention here...
You can't say that everything that comes out of the ground is a vegetable. That's like saying that mint leaves are a vegetable, or that parking meters are vegetables.
This was followed by a very awkward silence. (It was already silent, because everyone had washed for the matzah, but now the silence turned awkward. Sometimes you can just tell.)
The point is that round matzas are more fragile than newborn babies, and if you don't believe me, you can try holding a matza by one end and smacking it on the bottom.
How does he come up with these things?
This was followed by a very awkward silence. (It was already silent, because everyone had washed for the matzah, but now the silence turned awkward. Sometimes you can just tell.)
The point is that round matzas are more fragile than newborn babies, and if you don't believe me, you can try holding a matza by one end and smacking it on the bottom.
How does he come up with these things?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Reminding to uphold our pledge??
You think that asking each other,
"Vos tut zich? Vos hert zich?"
stems from our original undertaking of
"Na-aseh V'nishma"?
(This for some reason reminded me of;
That if you copy from one person it is plagiarism, but if you copy from many people , it's research. Stam.)
"Vos tut zich? Vos hert zich?"
stems from our original undertaking of
"Na-aseh V'nishma"?
(This for some reason reminded me of;
That if you copy from one person it is plagiarism, but if you copy from many people , it's research. Stam.)
Heehee
tanya, ...The Rebbe's footnote
An individual who attains this degree of natural love and fear of
G-d but lacks intellectual love and fear, should not be misled into
thinking that his love and fear lacks intensity and consequently,
his resultant actions are deficient as well.
Rather, this degree of love and fear, too, is of remarkable intensity...
G-d but lacks intellectual love and fear, should not be misled into
thinking that his love and fear lacks intensity and consequently,
his resultant actions are deficient as well.
Rather, this degree of love and fear, too, is of remarkable intensity...
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April 1st
I said I was gonna be very aware of being fooled, but fool that I am was fooled first thing this morning!! I couldn't believe it! So I said, "Okay, now I am gonna be so wary and so careful".
Well, what do you know?? I was fooled again!! These kids, I tell you.. unbelievable!!
Now for real for real I will be so careful for the rest of the day...
The thing is they got me because they connected it to something we talked about and was REAL then they added a shtickel of news... to fool me... waaaa....waaaa.....
Well, what do you know?? I was fooled again!! These kids, I tell you.. unbelievable!!
Now for real for real I will be so careful for the rest of the day...
The thing is they got me because they connected it to something we talked about and was REAL then they added a shtickel of news... to fool me... waaaa....waaaa.....
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